Midwest

Iowa

State EMS office Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services

Licensure levels recognized EMR, EMT, AEMT and Paramedic.

NREMT required for initial licensure Someone holding current National Registry certification is eligible for initial Iowa certification.

Reciprocity / legal recognition To be filled from the state EMS office

Renewal cycle Two years.

Continuing education model Core hours by level: 8 for an EMR, 20 for an EMT, 25 for an AEMT and 30 for a Paramedic, across airway, cardiology, trauma, medical and operations. A provider registered with the National Registry may instead renew by meeting the Registry's requirements. Hours carry a sponsor number from an authorized Iowa training program, Iowa HHS, the Board of Nursing, the Board of Medicine or CAPCE.

Visit state EMS office

Always confirm requirements with the state office directly.

Preparing for the exam

Our NREMT courses cover each certification level, and FP-C and CCT preparation covers critical care transport.

EMT

AEMT

Paramedic

See all states in the EMS licensing directory →

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Certification and licensure are not the same thing

National Registry certification

Passing the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams earns you national certification. It is what most states use as the entry standard, but it is not a license to practice on its own.

State license

Your state EMS office issues the credential that actually lets you work. Each state sets its own application process, background requirements, fees, and scope of practice.

Reciprocity

Moving states usually means applying for legal recognition of your existing certification rather than starting over. What transfers automatically varies, and this is where candidates most often get stuck.

This directory is provided for reference only. State requirements change, and the state EMS office is always the authoritative source. Prehospital Prep is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by the NREMT, the IBSC, or any state licensing agency.

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